Global News – A new Indigenous research lab to be situated in its arboretum is believed to be the first of its kind at a Canadian university. Nokom’s House will be a permanent, Indigenous land-based and community-engaged space with wellness and good relationships in its core, the university said. “Nokom” is abbreviated from “nokomis” — an Ojibway word that means “my grandmother.”

The university has approved a budget of $2.4 million for the project and a fundraising campaign is also underway, with over $53,000 already committed. Construction is expected to begin in 2022.